What is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the federal
government’s “defined contribution” plan; it works
like a 401(k). Federal civilians and uniformed services
members can contribute a portion of their salaries to
their TSP accounts and decide how that money should
be invested. When they reach retirement age, these TSP
participants decide how best to use the money that’s
accumulated in their accounts through contributions
and earnings. As a member of the uniformed services,
you are eligible for a TSP account no matter what
choice you make on the Blended Retirement System
(BRS). The vested balance in your account is yours
to keep when you leave your service. (See “Are
contributions from my service also mine to keep if I
separate from service?” on page 2 for more information
about vesting.) After you separate, you can keep your
money in the TSP. You can also choose from one of
several withdrawal options.

What is the Blended Retirement System (BRS)?
BRS is a new retirement system for some members of the
uniformed services. In exchange for a 20% reduction in
their military retirement annuity, which they still get if
they serve 20 years or more, members covered by BRS
receive TSP contributions from their employing service
in addition to other benefits.

How do service contributions work?
If you choose BRS, your service will begin contributing
an amount equal to 1% of your basic pay into your TSP
account each pay period. This does not come out of your
pay. It’s called a Service Automatic (1%) Contribution.
In addition, if you elect to contribute a portion of
your own pay into your TSP account, your service will
match a portion of it. This is called a Service Matching
Contribution. For every dollar you contribute up to
3% of your basic pay, your service will also contribute
a dollar. For every dollar you contribute beyond that
up to 5% of your pay, your service will contribute 50
cents. So if you contribute 5% of your basic pay in a pay
period, your service will contribute an amount equal
to 4% of your basic pay (1 for 1 on the first 3% and
.50 to 1 on the next 2%). Because you get the Service
Automatic (1%) Contribution2 no matter how much you
contribute of your own pay, you can receive a maximum
contribution from your service of an amount equal to
5% of your basic pay.
Remember, you’re eligible for a TSP account whether
or not you join BRS. The ability to receive service
contributions is the added benefit of BRS.

Receive goal based text messages with helpful tips, advice and reminders. You will be encouraged, supported, and motivated to save towards your goal. Access to resources and tools you can use to be a successful saver. Make a plan to reduce debt. Paying down high-interest debt is the first step to saving more successfully.

Challenge your peers, your unit and your family members to take the Military Savers’ Pledge and build their Savings Arsenal!

Military Saves is an opportunity for the military community to focus on the financial readiness of Service members and their families, including the reduction of debt and saving towards personal and family goals.

Money is one of the main reasons service members experience stress on the job and is also one of the top reasons why couples argue. The personal financial management staff are trained and certified Financial Management Educators who can help you and your family members (active duty, retired, DoD and NAF Civilian Personnel) through individual financial counseling sessions and through financial workshops on subjects such as basic money management, budgeting, car buying, consumer awareness, home buying, investment strategies, credit / debt management, retirement planning.

Developing strong money management skills can help you use the money you have today to live the life you want. Plus, when your ship does come in — the great job, the winning lottery ticket or the inheritance from a rich relative — you’ll know how to handle it. The Personal Financial Management Team is here to help you achieve financial success.

THE MARINE CORPS ORDER 1700.37 IS A MANDATE FOR THE PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Command Financial Specialist(CFS) Training:

The CFS at the command level is the first line of defense in the war against financial mismanagement. CFS shall function as the Command’s principal advisor on policies and matters related to Personal Financial Management. CFS may facilitate financial classes through General Military Training and when personal financial assistance is needed… 36 Hours, 5-Day Formal Course